Holland America Line 28-day Legendary Summer Solstice Arctic Circle Cruise Embarkation Day

The trip is finally starting after booking almost a year ago!

We arrived in Seattle after a 5 hour flight in Delta business class. Tip #1 - use HAL’s Flightease program for fabulous airfare deals! What an amazing skyline view from the ship at Pier 91.

Embarkation Day!

The dining room is no longer open for lunch so everyone heads to the Lido. Sure do miss those relaxed lunches!

Hubby Joe and I are enjoying our first wine onboard! With the “Have it All” elite program, we get 15 drinks a day of up to a $15 value. That includes non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Tip #2 We like to get several Perrier waters at the end of the night to take back to the room and on excursions. Tip #3 - Leaving a bar tip is easy and very much appreciated! Ask your server for a receipt with their name on it, add the tip and it goes directly to them. It also counts towards your Mainer status points! The daily gratuities are shared with just about everyone onboard, so this is a way to ensure your waiter gets the money directly.

Tip #4 - Head to the library to get a cruise read. The books go fast!

This is the perfect way to get started on your vaca reads!

Happy Cruising!